XXII

The calm of the next few days was welcome for the residents of the Golden Cane farm after the turmoil of the recent events.

Lady Toziri had welcomed her niece back with great relief and could not help but burst into tears at the happy outcome. She was so relieved that she even asked Shazira to take her in her arms for a long, loving embrace. Afterwards, the mistress of the domain thanked the mercenaries at length for bringing the princess back safe and sound. She was so insistent in her recognition and gratitude that it was almost embarrassing.

Old Zaradi, on the other hand, was far less welcoming. The healer threw a fit when she discovered Alberic's pitiful state and he thought she was going to kill him, succeeding where even the daedra had failed. After treating his wounds and those of his companions, she forced the boy to stay in bed for a week and checked on him several times a day to make sure he wasn't doing anything foolish. The young breton, however, was too happy to rest to play the adventurer. Even Shazira seemed to have calmed down and decided to leave her friend alone.

She too visited Alberic every day to check on his condition and the two young men spent a lot of time together. She read to him while she continued to teach him to read and they talked until late at night.

Although all danger seemed to be over, Flavia remained as conscientious and adamant as ever, insisting that the princess be watched at all times. After all that had happened, it would have been too bad if something had happened because of their negligence.

More seriously injured than Alberic, Gunnar was also bedridden. Zaradi had diagnosed him with half a dozen broken ribs and a dislocated femur. She had predicted that it would take several months for the Nord to be completely healed from his injuries, but his vitality surprised everyone and he was able to walk again after two weeks with the help of crutches.

Since they had returned to the farm, Imril had been as distant as usual. He spent most of his time outside collecting various ingredients for his potions and only came home to eat and sleep. Alberic had noticed the strange look the elf gave Flavia's travel bag when she looked away. The captain carried it with her at all times, so the elf did not try anything despite the greed on his face.

A messenger was dispatched to Rimmen to inform the khan Razirr'Ri of the latest events and everyone was now waiting for his reply. In the meantime, a new conflict almost broke out at the Golden Cane farm when the reinforcements requested by Lady Toziri finally arrived from Corinthe. Her old friend, Mizzir'Dar, had sent some thirty Khajiit mercenaries ready to fight. However, the cunning merchant had only offered the first half of the payment to these men who, once they arrived, found that the situation was already under control and therefore considered their contract fulfilled. They demanded to be paid anyway, threatening to help themselves by looting the estate if the second half of their wages were not paid.

After tough negotiations, a compromise was finally found by Lady Toziri and the soldiers were paid in cash but also with large quantities of moon sugar as part of the harvest had survived the flames. A few bottles of skooma, which had been kept hidden until then, finally convinced the Khajiit mercenaries. Better still, they agreed to stay at the farm to provide security and help repair the estate.

A few days later, a messenger finally arrived from Rimmen. The khan Razirr'Ri demanded his daughter's immediate return to the capital and Captain Flavia immediately set about preparing for her departure. A new caravan was assembled as soon as the injured were fit to travel.

Lady Toziri had convinced a dozen Khajiit mercenaries to escort the convoy to Rimmen for safety. She paid them an initial deposit and assured them that the rest of the money would be generously paid by the khan himself. When Flavia questioned Lady Toziri about the wisdom of such a decision, the latter smiled and said that this was a very common practice among khajiits. Moreover, she considered it legitimate that her brother should bear part of the damage suffered by her farm because, after all, it was he who had decided to hide his daughter in her home.

Shazira said goodbye to her aunt and the mercenaries took leave of their host before the caravan set off. They crossed the green cultivated meadows of northern Pelletine again, enjoying the mild autumn weather. The princess was very excited about the journey and could not contain her excitement. She was on the road again and that was enough to make her euphoric. She spent a lot of time with Alberic, taking advantage of the many stops in the convoy to continue their reading lessons and satisfy her curiosity.

Luck was with them as the return journey passed without incident, the group being large enough and well-armed to deter any bandit attack. The wild animals also stayed away and soon the caravan passed through the southern jungle of Elsweyr and into the Anequina Desert. The air was as hot and dry as Alberic remembered, but he was getting used to the hostile environment and there was no sandstorm to spoil the journey this time.

Still in charge of the princess' escort, Flavia supervised every detail of the expedition and the former legionary remained vigilant in these arid lands. She never parted with her travel bag, keeping it with her at all times and making sure that no one else touched it. If she was wary of the khajiits and their thieving hands, she was even more wary of Imril.

One evening, when the camp was set up for the night in the middle of the sand dunes, she took the altmer aside and they had a long conversation. Alberic was too far away to catch all of it, especially as Shazira was telling him another of Khunzar'Ri's fantastic stories, but he managed to catch a few snippets. Apparently, the captain was asking the elf how to dispose of Ophia's necklace and what were the risks of handling such an object. The rest of the exchange was incomprehensible as Imril went into complicated theories and used words that the young Breton had never heard before. He did notice the grim look on Flavia's face as the conversation continued.

The captain finally nodded and silently stood up. She grabbed a shovel from the convoy's supplies and left the camp in the middle of the night, heading out into the desert alone and insisting that no one follow her, not even Gunnar. She returned a few hours before sunrise, her hands and armour covered in dust, and Alberic couldn't help but notice that her bag was missing. When he asked about it, Flavia merely raised an eyebrow.

- "What bag?", she had simply replied before returning to sit by the fire.

The young Breton did not ask her about it again and the caravan set off again the next morning. The journey across the desert continued smoothly despite the stifling heat and they were soon in sight of Rimmen.

As they approached their destination, Shazira's demeanour and mood changed abruptly. The young khajiit became more distracted and distant, and at times she stared blankly at the horizon. Her enthusiasm and excitement seemed to have vanished completely now that the trip was coming to an end and Alberic thought he could guess why.

He was glad, however, that they were getting closer to their destination because it also meant that the whole thing would soon be over. He could collect his wages and think about the journey back to Highrock to be reunited with his family. On the other hand, he couldn't help but feel a certain disappointment too. Deep down, he had grown attached to this country and its curious inhabitants.

The return to the capital was as discreet as the departure. Arriving in the middle of the afternoon, the mercenaries wasted no time in escorting the princess to the palace where the khan Razirr'Ri was waiting for her. The reunion was very emotional and Shazira could not help but cry loudly when she saw her father. The khan hugged his daughter for a long time and an intense relief could be read on his face. He then left her with her brother, who had recovered from his injuries and was looking forward to seeing his little sister.

Lord Razirr'Ri warmly thanked the mercenaries who had taken such good care of his child, and he readily agreed to pay the second half of their wages to the Khajiit mercenaries, who promptly took their leave. He was surprised, however, that none of his own guards had returned and he asked Captain Flavia about it. Flavia then told him in detail about the events that had taken place at the Golden Cane farm. She told him about the betrayal of Captain Tasarr'Do and the murder of Councillor Sahkar. The khan greeted this news with a dark look, but there was no anger in his eyes, only sadness and regret.

- "I see..." he said with a sigh.

To thank them, Lord Razirr'Ri invited the captain and his men to stay in one of the palace's many pavilions until they were rewarded for their service. Flavia accepted and the mercenaries enjoyed the khan's hospitality for several days. During this stay, Alberic was able to see Shazira many times, and the two young men had taken the habbit to spend time together in the palace gardens.

Despite her return to her family, the princess remained worried and distracted. The young Breton tried to find out what was wrong, but each time she replied in a soft voice that it was nothing and that he did not have to worry about her. He did not insist, although he found her behaviour strange.

One day, Shazira did not come to join him in the gardens and the young mercenary, worried, looked for her all day in the palace pavilions reserved for the khan and his retinue. He asked the guards and servants if they had seen the princess, but no one answered him. When he asked Flavia, she told him that he would not see her again.

- "Why?" he had asked incredulously.

- "When we left Rimmen to hide the princess in Pelletine, the khan spread a rumour of her death to foil the enemy's plans. He can't bring her back to life like that, overnight. While waiting to find a solution, he wants to be as discreet as possible about the whole thing."

- "I don't understand..."

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- "There's nothing to understand, Al. Lord Razirr'Ri is still our employer and we must obey him." Though she felt sorry for the boy, Flavia remained adamant. "I know this pains you, but the two of you are not of the same world. Despite what you've been through, she's still a princess and you..."

- "A mere mercenary... hardly better than a commoner," he concluded.

The captain couldn't help but wince at Alberic's bitterness, and she laid a comforting hand on his shoulder.

- "I wish it could have been different too, but there's nothing we can do about it. We'll be paid soon, and it's a safe bet that we'll have to leave the palace when we do. You should think about afterwards."

The young Breton felt anger rising in him at this reality and spent the whole night brooding in his corner. The next day, as Flavia had predicted, he and his companions were handsomely rewarded for their services and Alberic had never seen so much gold in his life. Did the Kahn Razirr'Ri hope to buy their silence by being so generous? The thought only made Alberic more bitter, and he began to devise a plan to see Shazira again, if only one last time.

Flavia, however, dissuaded him. They had been paid and their mission was now over. They were politely asked to leave the palace grounds now that they were no longer under contract and the young Breton could do nothing but reluctantly obey. To rebel now made no sense and all he would gain was another night spent in the dungeon’s cells of Rimmen and the loss of his hard-earned gold. Alberic had to face the facts... he would not see Shazira again.

With their wages in hand, the mercenaries settled into an inn in the southern districts frequented by many foreigners passing through the city. Each of them was now free to choose and Imril was the first to leave. The altmer did not even bother to say goodbye and left his companions one morning without leaving a trace behind. His departure did not surprise Alberic, who had always considered the elf to be distant and mysterious. Flavia and Gunnar did not seem to be any more moved by his disappearance than the young Breton.

A few days later, Alberic finally decided to leave.

*  *  *  *  *

The caravanserais of Rimmen were as busy as ever, with the incessant ballet of caravaneers and camels coming and going, kicking up the desert dust. Merchants shouted their orders as they supervised the loading and unloading of their goods under the blazing sun, while the wells and reservoirs were besieged by dozens of thirsty travelers.

Alberic placed his pack in the cart of a departing convoy before turning to his companions.

- "So, it’s decided?", Flavia asked him. "Are you leaving? "

- "Yes. There's no point in staying any longer and I'd like to get there before winter."

- "Where will you go?"

- "I'm going home. This caravan goes through the Bangkorai Pass and from there I'll just have to go north to Highrock. What about you? What will you do?"

- "I plan to stay in Rimmen for a while longer, at least until that fool recovers from his injuries," she replied, pointing at Gunnar. "After that, I'll go back to Cyrodiil. I'll probably move in with my sister."

The captain stared at Alberic for a moment with her single eye. She wore a brand-new eye patch, the leather of which permanently itched the skin around her empty eye socket.

- "So this is goodbye," she said simply.

- "I believe it is, Captain."

- "You are no longer under my command, Al... so you don't have to call me Captain anymore."

The young Breton wanted to answer but he couldn't find the words and just nodded. He then turned to Gunnar who was smiling at him with all his teeth while leaning on his crutch.

- "Come here, little wolf cub!" Without warning, the Nord grabbed Alberic in his arms for a vigorous embrace despite his condition. "I'm going to miss kicking your ass in training."

- "I'm going to miss you too," grinned the young Breton, who was beginning to choke between those muscular arms.

- "Go on, get out of here before I shed a tear."

Alberic separated from his comrade after a last handshake before turning to Flavia. The latter placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled.

- "You've been a good soldier, Al... but honestly, I don't think the mercenary life is for you. "

- "Neither do I... but it's always useful to know how to use a sword," the boy replied with a smile.

- "Keep training then. This is the last order from your captain."

- "As you wish... Captain."

Alberic couldn't help but give a final military salute to his superior, who returned it with a solemn gesture. A sudden flurry of activity in the caravanserai caught Flavia's attention, and she pointed to the crowd with her chin.

- "The caravan will soon be leaving... I wish you a safe journey, Alberic."

- "And I wish you good fortune, Flavia Perona."

After a last look at each other, they parted and Alberic joined the convoy that was about to leave. Flavia watched him walk away in silence, a curious expression on her face.

- "I know that look..." said Gunnar as he approached her. "You'll miss it."

- "Maybe..." she admitted before looking away. "I'm thirsty. How about a drink at the tavern? After all, I promised you."

The giant Nord smiled at her with all his teeth as he tightened his grip on his crutch.

- "I'll take you up on that," he replied as he walked with a shaky but cheerful step towards the city. "I've been sober far too long."

*  *  *  *  *

Alberic climbed aboard the cariole to enjoy its basic comfort before the caravan went too far into the desert. From there he could see the high walls of the capital receding behind them despite the dust raised by the convoy. It was a strange feeling.

It had been just over two months since he had arrived in this strange country and yet he remembered it as if it were yesterday. Its noisy and crowded markets, its hot and tropical climate, its exotic smells and sounds, its strange and warm inhabitants... all these memories made him feel a strange nostalgia. He felt like a little child again, whose curiosity was aroused when he was told the stories of distant peoples and countries.

A part of him wanted to explore these lands, to discover what lay beyond the jungle, to meet its cat-like inhabitants, to learn their many customs and to see with his own eyes the hidden wonders of Elsweyr... but Alberic was no longer a child.

If he had left Highrock, it was not for the sake of adventure or curiosity. He had promised himself that he would return home once he had earned enough money to support his family, and he was also eager to find his parents as he had not heard from them for far too long. He was also eager to tell his little sister about everything he had seen, as she was always curious about everything. His curiosity reminded him of someone else...

Alberic looked at the caravaneers and camel drivers escorting the convoy. They were all khajiits with their heavy turbans and long feline tails that swayed behind them as they walked. The young Breton watched each of them carefully, hoping to see Shazira's features again... but she wasn't there. He shook his head to put the young khajiit out of his thoughts and set about inspecting his belongings to take his mind off things.

With all the thoroughness and discipline Flavia had taught him, he began to take stock of his pack. His water bladder was full and he had enough supplies of dried meat and biscuits to cover any contingencies. He had bought some clean strips of cloth that could be used as bandages, as well as some basic remedies and ointments. His clothes were clean and he had had his studded leather brigandine repaired by a craftsman in Rimmen after a long negotiation. Alberic had also taken the opportunity to replace his broken sword.

He had bought a strangely shaped Khajiit sword. The long blade was straight and slightly curved at the tip. It looked like a large, sharp cat's claw. Its hilt was finely crafted and covered with elegant engraved arabesques, while its pommel was set with a crescent moon. Despite its unique edge and exotic appearance, the weapon was light and perfectly balanced in his hand.

The young breton also made sure that his gold was still well hidden at the bottom of his bag. He had carefully wrapped the pieces in several layers of cloth so that they would make less noise because, after all... a khajiit was still a khajiit and the road could be long. Trust did not prevent him from remaining vigilant.

It was then that he noticed the book.

What was a book doing among his belongings? With slow movements, Alberic grabbed the tome and pulled it out of the bag. He recognised it at once with its pictorial cover and worn binding... the Two Moons Primer. It was the same book Shazira had used to teach him to read.

Something seemed to be stuck between its pages and the young Breton opened it to discover a medallion. He stood in awe of the small object for a moment before grasping it between his fingers to examine it. The amulet was round and represented two engraved crescent moons facing each other around a small, ivory-white, carved stone.

Alberic leaned against a merchandise crate, twirling the medallion on the end of its chain. How had she managed to hide this book in his bag without him noticing? Was this her way of saying goodbye?

The young Breton closed his eyes as he remembered Shazira's face. He remembered her blue and gold eyes, her white coat with black spots, the tawny and sweet smell of her mane, the way she rolled the r in his name, her consuming curiosity... Alberic sighed as he returned his gaze to the medallion.

He wished he could have said goodbye to her, too.

*  *  *  *  *

Master Tauryon stopped at the top of the steps to catch his breath and let his old knees rest for a moment.

The zenith had already passed and the sun was high in the sky. As always, the streets of the capital were noisy and crowded, with a distant, incessant buzzing in the air that could be heard from the palace. The old altmer tidied up his robes before walking down the corridor to Princess Shazira's room.

He had been very saddened to learn of her death a few months earlier. Despite her boisterous nature, the young khajiit was a gifted and inquisitive student and she brought a certain freshness to his boring life as a tutor. And now, a few days ago, he learned that she was alive!

Of course, Tauryon had tried to find out more about the miraculous return of the princess, but he was quickly told that his questions would not be answered. In his wisdom, the high elf had not insisted, for fear of getting involved in a court intrigue. However, he could not help but be happy that she was back, as he had been giving her lessons and instruction worthy of her rank for several days now. Everything seemed to be back to the way it was before... well, almost.

The princess had been scattered and distracted during their last lessons. Her once all-consuming curiosity seemed to have completely disappeared since she was back within the palace walls. She spent long hours looking out of her bedroom window while Master Tauryon tried to teach her arithmetic or history, and only the geography lessons seemed to capture a bit of her attention.

The altmer sighed as he stood in front of the door to her room. He hoped his student would be a little more focused this time.

- "Princess, it's time for your lessons," he said, knocking gently on the door.

Tauryon waited a few moments but there was no answer. He knocked again with a little more insistence.

- "Princess Shazira, are you there?"

Still no answer.

The old tutor finally turned the door handle to enter the room. Everything seemed normal with a few exceptions. The princess's wardrobe was upside down, as if someone had been frantically rummaging through it without bothering to tidy up after himself. The room was curiously silent too. Normally the parakeets would chirp and sing all day long in their iron cages, but now the cage was empty and its door wide open.

More importantly, there was no one there...

Without even taking the time to search the room, Tauryon hurried to the balcony. He was not really surprised to discover the bed sheets tied into a rough rope that ran down from the railing to the gardens. The old altmer finally gave a nervous smile.

- "That kid is going to drive me nuts..." he grumbled with a long sigh.

*  *  *  *  *

- "I hope you like it!" Shazira said happily in Alberic's ear.

Too absorbed in contemplating the medallion, he had not even heard her arrive. The young Breton leapt to his feet and hit his head on the roof of the cariole before falling back on his buttocks, groaning in pain and holding his forehead. Shazira laughed as she jumped up to give her friend a long, affectionate lick on the cheek. The raspy touch of her cat tongue on his skin made him wince a little more.

- "Shazi?!" Both his voice and eyes betrayed his surprise. "What the hell are you doing here?!"

- "Can't you tell?" the young khajiit replied with a broad smile. "Let's just say that I've been thinking about your proposal and, after careful consideration, I've decided to accept. "

- "My proposal?"

- "Yes. To travel with you to Highrrrock."

Alberic looked at his friend with wide eyes and knew she wasn't kidding. The young khajiit had exchanged her silk robes for a more discreet traveller's outfit with a long-hooded cloak. The hood was pulled down over her head, partially concealing her face, while her cat ears protruded from two holes in the fabric.

- "You... you're serious?"

- "More than ever," she replied with a look of mischief in her eyes. "I've been cooped up within the pretty walls of the palace for too long. I've had enough."

- "But... what about your family?"

- "I've only ever known them. It's time for me to discover something else. And then I could always send them letters so they wouldn't worry too much."

- "What if your father decides to send his men to bring you back?"

- "If that happens, I'll just have to tell them you kidnaped me."

- "Wha... what?"

- "I'm kidding." She laughed again at her friend's discomfited expression. "Anyway, they don't know where to look and we'll be long gone by the time they do."

- "This trip could be dangerous..."

- Good! A trip that is not dangerous is a boring trip. It seems that you are not happy to see me..."

- "Of course I am, Shazi." He finally smiled at her before turning his attention back to the medallion.

He finally slipped the necklace around his neck before playing with it between his fingers. The little jewel shone brightly in the sunlight.

- "So? Do you like it?" she asked again.

- "A lot... is it silver?"

- "Solid silver, even," the young khajiit said with pride.

- "It must have cost a lot."

- "Sort of, but... I managed to negotiate it to my advantage."

- "Oh yeah? ...and who did you bargain it to?"

- "To a grumpy, grumbling jeweller in the western bazaar, near the upper end of town." She smiled a little more innocently.

- "And I suppose this jeweller is far too rich to notice the disappearance of such a small trinket, yes?"

- "You know what they say. What is yours is yours..."

Alberic smiled a little wider as he finished the old Khajiit saying.

- "But what's yours can also be mine."